The Mystique and Myths of Marantz Power Transistors?

[BossRadio4VR]

Marantz Power Transistors - Mystique or Myth?

I keep seeing eBay sellers touting "the original Marantz power resistors" as being somehow essential for maintaining that warm, signature sound of these receivers.

I'm skeptical.

For one thing, Marantz receivers didn't even sport "Marantz" labeled power amp transistors until when? I've seen a 2245 from 1972 on eBay with Motorola transistors and my own 2245, built in 1974 is using something else. My 2325's, built in '76, have Marantz badged transistors.

Does anybody know what year that Marantz actually starting using "Marantz" badged resistors?

And what about this claim that only "Marantz" transistors can convey the warmth? I can't really accept this assertion, as it is my feeling that the warm sound of our receivers is more a sum of all of it's quality parts and no-compromise build design, rather than simply what power transistors are being used.

But what do I know? :scratch2: What's the concensus?

 

[ruesselschorf]

I think the power transistors of an amp have the least influence in sound. In the 2270, godfather of Marantz receivers, I've seen 5 different types of outputs: Motorola-Fairchild-TexasInstruments, later Japanese Hitachi- Sanken-Toshiba? And they are all suposed to have that typical Marantz warmth.
Marantz bought the transistors, like many other HiFi companies, that were in style at a certain time. Having the oem-transistor manufacturer stamp a Marantz logo on the transistor, didn't cost them a dime.
Of course, Marantz would claim to have special selected transistors, but I would not believe it.

Helmut

 

[SB Marantz]

US build Marantzes use motorola.
Japanese build used Toshiba until 1980.

 

[BossRadio4VR]

US build Marantzes use motorola.
Japanese build used Toshiba until 1980.

Okay, then when did production begin in Japan? 1972-73? Were they built in both the US and Japan simultaneously during some transitional period? Just curious.

 

[ruesselschorf]

The more popular priced stuff was made in Japan, starting with the 2270 afaik. Metric screws, japanese parts, elna circuit boards, Japan transistors but US power transistors, Motorola, Fairchild, T.I. seems to me, America had a lead in power transistors then.
The high priced stuff, model 18/19 250M 500 510M 3800 preamp for example was still made in USA, non-metric screws, nice blue epoxy circuit boards with alot of parts from Germany inside.
If you have a chance to compare the 3800 preamp (US made) with a 1150D int. amp. The faceplates look 99% exactly the same, but the 1150D inside is completely Japan made.

Helmut

 

[SB Marantz]

Helmut,

You are absolutely right about the 1150/3600 and 1150D/3800.

Do you still have that 510 MR?

Grusse aus Holland

Wilfred

 

[ruesselschorf]

Hello Wilfred,

that 510MR is gone. Sold it in the early spring to a Marantz collector.........

Helmut

 

[zenith2134]

My 2250B has/had Marantz power transistors, but states built in Japan and designed in Cali....

 

[SB Marantz]

Hello Wilfred,

that 510MR is gone. Sold it in the early spring to a Marantz collector.........

Helmut

To Ralf?

 

[40standard]

I have a 2226 that needs 2 A627 outputs or the 2 pairs is there asub for these. Cliff bestbrandsplus@earthlink.net please no spam thnks and God bless you with great rock n roll

 

[jstang]

Seeing we asking for things.... I would need 50 each of SJ2500 and SJ2501......please hurry cause I am holding my breath....

jk

 

[giant-rider]

I have a 2226 that needs 2 A627 outputs or the 2 pairs is there asub for these. Cliff bestbrandsplus@earthlink.net please no spam thnks and God bless you with great rock n roll

Could I be blessed with great Jazz instead, I have plenty of Rock & Roll for now.